Andre put on a pretty good performance tonight, although to me he showed that he does need more work before stepping in with world class guys. I don't believe that the stoppage was contraversial in anyway, he was starting to take a beating in there. Things that I was impressed with tonight were: * Ability to fight from the inside * Ability to throw fast combinations from the inside * Good defense, both inside and out with more orthodox technique with his hands then earlier in his career. * Worked some good angles offensively, and began to open up more as the fight went on * Worked hard for the finish Areas for improvement: * Sitting down on the jab more, and using it to dictate the pace of the fight. At times he didn't throw it with enough conviction against a VERY flat footed opponent. * Better use of a straight right hand, both as a counter and after the jab * More combination punching needed from the outside Overall though, he does look the goods, although just needs to be facing better guys to get to that next level. He does some great things in there, switching from othrodox to southpaw and unloading combinations unexpectedly. Also leading with hooks and working some great angles. Both of these things were unorthadox, but worked well for him, and gave his opponent trouble. That said, although his opponent was physically pretty strong, he was technically very crude, and I really would have liked to have seen Ward open up more offensively. I think that as he steps up against world class guys, Ward will become more of a counter puncher, who like Floyd though can throw in combination when the opportunity presents itself. What were your thoughts on the fight and how do you think he will fit into the division ( SMW )?
i like ward's skills. he's the sort of fighter i could watch all day. excellent talent. but he lacks a big punch and his defence is a worry. as is that chin. he's already been dropped heavy and hurt quite badly in an early fight. someone like edison miranda would be too much for him i reckon.
Maybe, but I think with time he could certainly go on to be a real force in the division. Technically he would be LEAGUES above Miranda. Its just a matter of getting him conditioned to fighting top guys at a world class pace. I think he can do it, and that he is a very good prospect.
Thanks for this great analyis, MSTR. He'll likely face Allen Green in February. Any comments on this fight?
Very tough fight, I haven't seen enough of Allen Green to really make a prediction at this point. I will download some more footage though and get back to you. Green seems to fight better against boxers, and certainly has an abundance of speed and ability also. Would be a very tough test and a big step up for him.
